Friday, May 27, 2011

Ever wonder, "how did they come up with the name of that boat?" Newport Harbor is full of boats with all different shapes, styles, sizes and, names. Throughout the summer we will be sharing some of the interesting boat names in Newport, Rhode Island.

On the eve of Memorial Day Weekend, the boat named "Perfect Summer" caught our eye. We all are wishing for a perfect weather summer in Newport, RI. Happy Memorial Day Weekend from 12 Meter Charters, we hope you get out on the water and enjoy!

Got some interesting boat names to share? Post them on our Facebook page.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Yesterday was the first day that felt like summer in Newport, RI! Sunshine and a wonderful sea breeze graced Newport Harbor and made us sure that summer is on its way. We had a great day of sailing aboard the 1970 America's Cup contender, Heritage - the sun made hull shine and her crew all smiles. Another sure sign that summer is coming was the cruise ship in Narragansett Bay. We are happy to visitors had such a wonderful day to see our city-by-the-sea.

Thank you Mother Nature for sending us a sign that summer is coming to Newport, RI, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

A sail aboard one of our 12 Meter yachts is the perfect way to cruise into summer!Do you have a special date, anniversary, birthday, family reunion or corporate meeting that you would like to stand out from the rest? Why not spend it sailing with 12 Meter Charters! Team-Building, Corporate Outings, Wedding Events, Private Parties, Family Celebrations, Sunset Sails, and much more! Please contact us if you would like additional information. We are always happy to answer questions and discuss sailing options.

Monday, May 23, 2011

2010 was a banner year for our America's Cup Racers. Columbia dominated the 12 Meter racing circuit and won the Ted Hood trophy for the 12 Meter with the best performance throughout the season. Heritage continued her winning ways at Opera House Cup and was, again, first to finish.

If you feel the need for speed, come aboard and win with us! Our 12 Meter racing yachts are available for racing regattas throughout New England. Contact us for more information.

Check out the view of sunset from Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, RI. This is one of the many beautiful Newport sights you will see from on board our America's Cup Yachts. Come aboard and let us serve you!

Today is National Bike to Work Day and Newport, Rhode Island's first ever Bike to Work Day. 12 Meter Charters continued in our Eco-friendly ways and joined the pedaling! Our team enjoyed a lovely early morning ride to our office on Bowen's Wharf. Although the cobblestones were a bit bumpy, the ride was picturesque and a wonderful way to start our day in the city-by-the-sea.

Ways in which 12 Meter Charters is Eco-Friendly!
1. We buy and serve local Rhode Island food and beverages on board our vessels.
2. We serve beverages with recyclable bottles.
3. We use recycled office products.
4. We use "recycled" America's Cup yachts.
5. We use WIND POWER while sailing!

Welcome aboard! 12 Meter Charters is sailing! Earlier this month our America's Cup racers debuted for another season of cruising and racing in Newport, Rhode Island. Now through October, our beautiful 70-foot yachts are available for charters and daily harbor sails. Two-hour public cruises are offered daily. Customized America's Cup yacht charters include Corporate Outings, Private Parties, Team-building, Wedding Events, Sunset Sails and Racing Regattas. Participate in the sailing or just sit back and relax - no sailing experience is necessary. Come aboard for the day and enjoy the spectacular view from our "office!"

12 Meter Charters is excited to introduce our 2011 sailing team...we are full of Captains! Recognize some familiar faces? We are pleased to welcome back our veteran crew including Captain Kevin from Columbia, Captain Jeff from Heritage, Captain Cedar from Heritage and Captain Duncan from Heritage. And, of course, our on-the-dock and yacht office will be captained by Meredith. Phew, that is a lot of Captains!

With over 100 years of combined chartering experience our team is eager to serve our guests. Come aboard and let us serve you! Here are just a few of the many wonderful comments 12 Meter Charters received from guests last season.

“The crew was great, friendly in a way that really adds to the whole experience. Of course Columbia is fantastic.”

“The captain and crew were a true pleasure to be with, telling stories, giving us information on the Heritage, sailing in general as well as facts on America's Cup racing. The captain was like a verbal encyclopedia and made the sail so much more than I expected. When I return to Newport, I will return to 12 Meter Charters!”

Curious about what our team did this winter? We don't hibernate! We enjoy traveling, winter sports, time with our furry friends and much more!

When Captain Kevin wasn't working on Columbia in the boat yard he was enjoying the snow any way he could by skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling in Vermont. Oh, and of course, he spent time with his first mate, Brutus.

Captain Jeff not only has a need for speed on Heritage but he also has a need for speed on the snow. He enjoyed the winter ski racing in New Hampshire and enjoyed the company of pups, Tomba and new friend, Bowen.

Captain Cedar celebrated the wedding of her sister in Mexico, worked on her new "locals guide" to Newport, Newport Naked, and most excitingly, obtained her captain's license. She also enjoyed visits home to Nova Scotia and time with her pups, Ben and new addition, Twiggy.

Captain Duncan enjoyed a trip to Spain to see his daughter who is studying there for the semester. During his April visit he traveled to Sevilla, Ronda, Granada and Corboda. Maravillosa!

Office captain, Meredith, visited family in England and enjoyed time skiing and teaching children to ski at Sunday River in Maine. She also enjoyed time with her cat, Tuckerman, although she hasn't been able to teach him to ski, yet.

Come aboard and let our team serve you. They are personable, professional and passionate about sailing. We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2011!'

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Our America's Cup winner, Columbia, was launched for her 53rd season of sailing earlier this week! Freshly panted, varnished and updated for speed - she is ready for another fabulous season if sailing and racing in Newport, Rhode Island! Welcome aboard.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Trying to plan a memorable celebration for the next milestone in your life? Stumped looking for a great idea? We have just what you need! Plan a vacation to Newport, Rhode Island and include a sail aboard one of our America's Cup yachts.

A sail with 12 Meter Charters wonderful way to say “Happy Birthday”, “Happy Anniversary”, or “Congratulations” to someone special! Whether cruising or racing, an event on an America's Cup twelve meter yacht is a spectacular and unique way to celebrate.

"The staff of 12 Meter Charters is absolutely incredible. They made our event informative and they helped us build a more cohesive unit for our team. They were fun! The boats were pristine. It was one of the best experiences I have had in a while. I will be back!"